Blue Devils make changes for bowl

The Blue Devils have made several position changes for players in the past month since wrapping up the regular season.

Coach David Cutcliffe said at least four players have taken on new roles.

While in the past official spring practice was a chance to implement some potential changes in roles, the Blue Devils are getting a head-start on that with the game against Cincinnati. Cutcliffe said it’s a matter of creating more options for the team as a whole.

Perhaps most notable is Nick Sink, a redshirt sophomore who has been a starting defensive tackle. He has moved to a role as a tight end after starting the past seven games on defense.

Sink’s shift to the offense is something that Cutcliffe said could pay off in the upcoming season when a running attack might be more prominent for the Duke offense. He said he likes the idea of a 6-foot-5, 285-pound player as another blocker.

Then there’s little-used sophomore Britton Grier moving from linebacker to defensive end for the game in his hometown of Charlotte.

Other changes directly involving the Duke secondary, which has been shredded by injuries. The safety position has been particularly depleted, especially with Chris Tavarez leaving the program since the end of the regular season.

Shaquille Powell, a freshman running back who had 28 carries and one reception this year, has moved to safety. Cutcliffe categorized this move as potentially a temporary move to help the Blue Devils get through the bowl game. Powell might return to running back for the 2013 season.

“I think he’ll be an asset to the defense,” Cutcliffe said.

Cutcliffe said Powell will be “on call” to help on offense if the need arises this week.

Then there’s redshirt freshman Nick Hill, a receiver who has been converted to safety. Hill’s move follows the path taken by other members of the defensive backfield.

Senior cornerback Tony Foster of Burlington was a receiver until moving to defense. So was junior safety Brandon Braxton.